Young, Arizona • 85554• Area Code 928 • Mountain Time Zone
Young / Pleasant Valley Young, as the crow flies, is approximately 80 miles northeast of the Phoenix metro area. From the East Valley, it’s a pleasant three-hour drive up to Young. The town’s name, originally Pleasant Valley, was changed to Young because of Miss Ola Young, who served fifty years as the town’s first postmaster. To get there from Payson: Travel east on Hwy 260 approximately 33 miles. Climb up the face of the Mogollon Rim, continuing to the Young Road turnoff (FR 512). Turn right (south), slow down and enjoy the remaining 17 miles of all-weather, county-maintained road until the pavement begins again 4½ miles from the north edge of town.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Renée Zeising
To get there from Globe: Travel north on Hwy 88 toward Roosevelt Lake for approximately 15 miles to the Hwy 288 turnoff. The first 11 miles of Hwy 288 are paved, and the next 35 have a well-maintained, all-weather driving surface. Slow down and enjoy the scenery. To get there by air: One can fly into what locals refer to as the “Young International Airport”, an unpaved, unlighted 4752’ runway that can actually accommodate most twin-engine aircraft. It is located on the Chamberlain Trail, about 5 miles from Young. Be sure to arrange for someone to pick you up, as there are no facilities at the airstrip, and taxis are few and far between.
The valley itself is fertile, with a rich and plentiful water supply. The elevation ranges from 5100 to 5600 feet, which makes for four mild but distinct seasons and a 6-month growing season. Fruit trees, berries, grapes as well as vegetable gardens flourish here. Juniper, oaks and Ponderosa Pines cover the hills and mountains surrounding Young, while the creek beds are lined with sycamores, walnut, willows and cottonwoods. Winters are short and can be wet, with occasional 3 to 8 inch snow accumulation. A large snow storm here or on the Rim can mean several days without electricity in the town of Young. This adds, we feel, to the “true mountain experience”. The average high in January is 51º F. Low temperatures rarely dip below 10º. Woodstoves are a common source of home heating in Young. Summer high-low temperatures usually fluctuate about 40º, from daily highs of 80º - 95º to nighttime lows of 40º - 55º. The humidity is low, but not as dry as the desert. Air conditioning is rarely needed in Pleasant Valley. Rainfall averages about 25 inches annually. In 1992, a very wet year, Young had 33 inches! Monsoon storms in the area begin in late June, while May is generally the driest month. Gardeners begin planting frost-resistant veggies in April or May. It is possible to have frost (or even snow!) as late as early June. There are major archaeological finds and other fascinating historical sites throughout the entire area. On the 3rd weekend in July, Young celebrates Pleasant Valley Days with a parade and tours of the cabins and battle sites of the “Pleasant Valley War”. The museums
A simpler life... a simpler lifestyle
PHOTO: Courtesy of Renée Zeising
Wide open meadows and fresh air
Environment... The town of Young is located in Pleasant Valley, surrounded by the Tonto National Forest which attracts campers, hunters and fishermen. There are miles of trails to explore on horseback or on foot. Most areas in Young offer breath-taking views of the mountains that surround Pleasant Valley.
are open every weekend in summer, and gymkhanas are held for young people. There is a local Mormon congregation, plus the Young Baptist Church, and Grace Bible Fellowship Church. Young also has two grocery stores, a restaurant, an auto parts store, auto mechanic shops, a trap club and a library. There are Boy Scouts, Brownies, and Little League Baseball. The Community Council coordinates various affairs for the town and manages a roping arena and the community center. The U.S. Mail comes up six days a week from Globe. UPS delivers on weekdays, and picks up at a local business site. Federal Express delivers as needed, but does not do pick-ups... yet.
Young/Pleasant Valley information courtesy of Renée Zeising, eMail: ReneeInYoung@RNSMTE.com
Visit the Rim Country on the Internet at www.RimCountry.Com